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Dear friends of the ministry,
Acts 14:27 tells us, "And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles."
I would like to take this time to thank so many of you who partnered in the Lord's work in which God privileged me to minister down in Peru. You and I can be assured that God heard and honored your prayers. During this trip God opened many doors for the gospel. In addition, I did face a number of unique troubles and predicaments. Nonetheless, I am grateful that our LORD GOD intervened for my safety.
It is by God's grace that He daily allowed me to meet many individuals who need to comprehend their need for Jesus Christ. In my hundreds of encounters, I was able to clearly explain God's saving gospel, answer individuals' questions, and point people to Christ. On several occasions I was asked to preach and teach in various youth group classes as well as to the adults during church services. During the weekdays I got to meet up with Christians to exhort them from the Bible in practical matters, such as why and how to daily have a Quiet Time with God each morning. My most beloved scripture on this important teaching comes from Exodus 34:2-3. On many instances I also got to train and exemplify before believers how to more effectively share the gospel with strangers on the streets. So many Christians over the years have told me that they don't share the gospel because they're afraid. And I always honestly responded, "I too have fear. But fear is a good thing. Fear lets us know that God is doing something. We just have to obey God, and in obedience we then get to see what He is doing."
The church I was serving in Lima, Peru, is located in a dangerous district called Callao. In this neighborhood there are a great deal of youth who are daily confronted with countless temptations. I was greatly encouraged to see God's favor on this small church serving their community burdened with big problems. The pastoral staff have a big heart to train and teach hungry believers to grow up and do the work of ministry within their daily lives. Discipleship is a big part of their activities during the weekdays, with many adults as well as their youth.
I am at a loss for words to describe the true spirit of giving which exists within the hearts of the pastor and his wife. I bear record from firsthand experience that week after week I witnessed them open their modest home to so many people. Although they suffer through personal trials, their joy in the Lord keeps them strong. Out of their poverty they still abound to liberally give and help others in need. Many days and nights I witnessed them open their home to sit down and feed guests and then to supply a place for guests to sleep overnight for rest.
During my time in Peru an unexpected $1,000 donation came into Orphan Frontier. I was in communications with one of Orphan Frontier's Board Members about their wonderful testimony. We immediately knew why God provided us these funds. We agreed to have the $1,000 directly wired down to Peru to help this church and their youth ministry. They are making a wonderful impact in their community, and we at Orphan Frontier want to help and encourage God's servants to persevere forward in faith despite any temporal conflicts.
The hysteria of COVID-19 prompted the President of Peru to abruptly lock down the whole nation without any forewarning. All borders were closed. All airports, bus stations, and many other businesses were immediately shut down. Life literally overnight changed from freedom to a police state. It seemed as if ministry was shut down, too. I began to fervently pray and seek God in His Word to reevaluate biblical ministry options. God greatly encouraged my troubled spirit, and through several examples in the Bible, God gave me an idea of how to continue His ministry. During my remaining three weeks in Peru I saw God do the impossible almost on a daily basis. Although I nearly got arrested two times, God intervened and showed me favor and great grace. He gave me opportunities daily to discreetly minister to individuals. I even got to see a 19-year-old call on Christ for salvation, and a young woman in her twenties got saved too!
Eventually I was told by the Embassy that I would be evacuated. And finally my opportunity came up for me to take a repatriation flight back to the United States. The generosity and concern of so many supporters in the United States has greatly encouraged me. When I was in need many of you rose up and provided the funds for me to pay for these expensive airplane tickets back home. It means so much to me that supporters like you not only care for needy kids around the world, you also care for me. I am so very appreciative of your love!
Thank you so very much!
Lawrence Bowman
Acts 14:27 tells us, "And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles."
I would like to take this time to thank so many of you who partnered in the Lord's work in which God privileged me to minister down in Peru. You and I can be assured that God heard and honored your prayers. During this trip God opened many doors for the gospel. In addition, I did face a number of unique troubles and predicaments. Nonetheless, I am grateful that our LORD GOD intervened for my safety.
It is by God's grace that He daily allowed me to meet many individuals who need to comprehend their need for Jesus Christ. In my hundreds of encounters, I was able to clearly explain God's saving gospel, answer individuals' questions, and point people to Christ. On several occasions I was asked to preach and teach in various youth group classes as well as to the adults during church services. During the weekdays I got to meet up with Christians to exhort them from the Bible in practical matters, such as why and how to daily have a Quiet Time with God each morning. My most beloved scripture on this important teaching comes from Exodus 34:2-3. On many instances I also got to train and exemplify before believers how to more effectively share the gospel with strangers on the streets. So many Christians over the years have told me that they don't share the gospel because they're afraid. And I always honestly responded, "I too have fear. But fear is a good thing. Fear lets us know that God is doing something. We just have to obey God, and in obedience we then get to see what He is doing."
The church I was serving in Lima, Peru, is located in a dangerous district called Callao. In this neighborhood there are a great deal of youth who are daily confronted with countless temptations. I was greatly encouraged to see God's favor on this small church serving their community burdened with big problems. The pastoral staff have a big heart to train and teach hungry believers to grow up and do the work of ministry within their daily lives. Discipleship is a big part of their activities during the weekdays, with many adults as well as their youth.
I am at a loss for words to describe the true spirit of giving which exists within the hearts of the pastor and his wife. I bear record from firsthand experience that week after week I witnessed them open their modest home to so many people. Although they suffer through personal trials, their joy in the Lord keeps them strong. Out of their poverty they still abound to liberally give and help others in need. Many days and nights I witnessed them open their home to sit down and feed guests and then to supply a place for guests to sleep overnight for rest.
During my time in Peru an unexpected $1,000 donation came into Orphan Frontier. I was in communications with one of Orphan Frontier's Board Members about their wonderful testimony. We immediately knew why God provided us these funds. We agreed to have the $1,000 directly wired down to Peru to help this church and their youth ministry. They are making a wonderful impact in their community, and we at Orphan Frontier want to help and encourage God's servants to persevere forward in faith despite any temporal conflicts.
The hysteria of COVID-19 prompted the President of Peru to abruptly lock down the whole nation without any forewarning. All borders were closed. All airports, bus stations, and many other businesses were immediately shut down. Life literally overnight changed from freedom to a police state. It seemed as if ministry was shut down, too. I began to fervently pray and seek God in His Word to reevaluate biblical ministry options. God greatly encouraged my troubled spirit, and through several examples in the Bible, God gave me an idea of how to continue His ministry. During my remaining three weeks in Peru I saw God do the impossible almost on a daily basis. Although I nearly got arrested two times, God intervened and showed me favor and great grace. He gave me opportunities daily to discreetly minister to individuals. I even got to see a 19-year-old call on Christ for salvation, and a young woman in her twenties got saved too!
Eventually I was told by the Embassy that I would be evacuated. And finally my opportunity came up for me to take a repatriation flight back to the United States. The generosity and concern of so many supporters in the United States has greatly encouraged me. When I was in need many of you rose up and provided the funds for me to pay for these expensive airplane tickets back home. It means so much to me that supporters like you not only care for needy kids around the world, you also care for me. I am so very appreciative of your love!
Thank you so very much!
Lawrence Bowman
